The historical development of the family farm can be divided into two major periods. The first period covers the time from the emergence of family farms to the end of World War II, and the second period begins after World War II. Family farm is an organizational form that contains elements, and activities that can be divided into primary and secondary. The notion of a family farm is associated with its holder, as a natural person who is responsible for the incurred obligations. The official records of the family farm is the Register kept by the Agency for Payments in Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Development. Family farms are of great importance, primarily because they have an impact on overall food security. Also, their importance stems from the preservation of agricultural biodiversity, the sustainability of natural resources, the preservation of rural areas, the strengthening of the local economy, and in the employment of people. The year 2014 was declared the International Year of Family Farms, which indicates its importance in the world. In the same year, the Association of Family Farms "Life" was founded in Croatia. In 2019, the number of family farms accounted for as much as 95.5% of the total number of farmers in Croatia. Over the years, in most counties, its number has been declining. This form of agriculture forms the basis on which European agriculture has thrived for centuries. A large number of agricultural holdings in the European Union are classified as family farms. Support for agriculture in the European Union is provided by a set of measures and programs of the Common Agricultural Policy. At the very end of the paper, the Horvat family farm is described and researched in more detail.